MXP: Hey Newf! The first-ever SMX Playoff Race is this weekend in Charlotte, NC. What do think of the track layout and who do you like for the win in the 250 and 450 classes?
RL: It will be interesting on how it all plays out with the track. We have seen in the past that hybrid tacks like monster cup have never really worked. I wish they would dig or disk the outdoor portion of the track so it gets rough like outdoors rather than just one lined slippery hard packed. Jett and Sexton will pick right up where they left off, and toss Kenny Roczen in there and it’s going to be good. I will still go with Jett and I will take a long shot in 250 and go Austin Forkner.
MXP: Cooper Webb is one of the top riders who has switched teams, and this weekend he will be making his debut for Monster Energy Star Racing Yamaha Team. What are your thoughts on this move, and how do you think he and Tomac (and Justin Cooper) will be as teammates next year?
RL: I like the move for Coop. I mean it’s been no secret that he hasn’t jelled with the new KTM and wanted out. If you remember back, he did have some good rides on that team before he left for KTM. The biggest thing with Webb is if he’s comfortable, happy, and confident, he can beat anyone on any day.
MXP: The other night my son and I were watching old videos on YouTube, and one that we really enjoyed was a recap of the 2007 Monster Energy 250 East Lites Series. That year Darcy Lange was a fill-in rider for the PC Kawasaki Team and he battled hard for the title. Eventually he finished third overall, but boy was he good in that series. You were racing the 450 class that year, what do you remember about Darcy and his performance?
RL: Yes he was so good that year. What I remember is he was good enough to win races and the championship but, that huge crash he had while battling Ben Townley towards the end of the main for the win kind of derailed his hopes and eventually that crash led to the cancer diagnosis. Darcy is the best AX/SX rider this Country has produced to date.